As a natural part of the aging process, you cannot avoid wrinkles altogether; however, you can pamper your face and engage in activities that lessen the likelihood of developing new, deeper wrinkles. Since your skin is a large organ, it is a great idea to begin a therapeutic skin care routine today. If you remove dead skin from pores regularly and encourage the production of collagen and elastin in the skin's surface, you can end up looking more youthful as you age. An effective skin care regime includes exfoliation, moisturizer, sunscreen and changing some ingrained daily habits, such as smoking, sun damage and sleep patterns. Read about how to lessen wrinkles and remove dead skin on your face.

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Steps

Method 1 of 3: Removing Dead Skin Cells

1

View yourself in a mirror. Try to assess which areas of your face are dull or have blackheads. Since many people have combination skin, you may need to concentrate on certain areas of your face more than others.

Dry winter climates, hot showers, sun damage and heavy soaps can all lead to dead skin cell build up. Try to assess if these are the causes of dry skin for you. You can use a humidifier, take shorter, warm showers, use sunscreen or switch soaps to try to minimize your dry skin.

Certain medical conditions can lead to dry skin and clogged pores. Eczema, psoriasis, diabetes and thyroid problems can cause dry, itchy skin conditions. Consult with your dermatologist if you suffer from 1 of these problems or have sensitive skin before trying to treat the condition at home.

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2

Buy exfoliation fabric. You should not exfoliate your face or neck with the same tools you would use with the rest of your body, because the skin is more sensitive. Buy exfoliating gloves or use terry cloth washcloths to apply facial cleanser in the morning or evening.

3

Make an exfoliating scrub. In a small, shower-safe bowl, mix together 2 tbsp. (22 g) of honey, 1.5 tbsp. (19 g) of granulated sugar and 1 tbsp. (15 ml) of lemon juice. Stand in a warm shower for a few minutes to open up the pores, and then apply the mixture with your fingertips in a circular motion.

Scrub your face with the exfoliating mix, concentrating on the areas of your face that are the most clogged. Rinse well with warm water. Do a final rinse with cool water to close the pores again. Repeat every 2 to 3 days.

Although making a natural scrub is a wonderful way to ensure your skin isn't subject to harsh cleansers or chemicals, exfoliating scrubs are also available at drugstores and supermarkets. Choose a mixture filled with sugar rather than fruit or nut pieces, which can be harsh on the skin.

4

Apply an acidic lotion or cleanser daily. Many over the counter cleansers contain acid, which has been shown to clear away dead skin cells. Look for formulas that contain alpha hydroxy acid, a fruit acid that has been found to reduce wrinkles and remove dead skin.

5

Use a mild cleanser over a harsh facial wash. Harsh soaps remove the natural oils in your skin that moisturize and protect. Avoiding over washing and soap can reduce wrinkles as well.

6

Apply a dermatologist recommended moisturizer. Look for a non-comedogenic formula or call a dermatologist's office to ask what blends are best for sensitive, oily or dry skin. Applying a moisturizer after you wash and rinse your face will trap moisture in and prevent dry skin that can lead to dead skin cells.

Method 2 of 3: Reducing Facial Wrinkles

1

Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. The sun's rays cause wrinkles. Wear sunscreen daily, if you must be in the sun, and reapply it 1 to 3 times a day, depending upon your exposure.

2

Avoid smoking and second hand smoke. Studies have shown that cigarette smoke breaks down the collagen and elastin in skin, resulting in skin that is 40 percent thinner with regular exposure. Thinning skin leads to wrinkles.

3

Monitor your sleep. Sleep on your back to avoid the creases in the chin, cheeks and forehead caused by sleeping with your skin on the folds of a pillow. Also, be sure to get a full night's sleep, since it increases the release of human growth hormones that keep your skin supple and elastic.

4

Wear glasses. Prescribed glasses lessen the likelihood that you will squint, causing wrinkles. Wearing non-prescription sunglasses also protects your eyes and the skin around them.

5

Maintain a healthy diet. Studies have shown that certain foods can have a positive effect on the skin, including fish with omega-3 fatty acids, fruits, vegetables, soy and cocoa.

Method 3 of 3: Professional Wrinkle Treatments

1

Apply retinoids regularly. Tretinoin (Retin A), an acid of Vitamin A, is the only FDA approved topical treatment, and it has been shown to reduce wrinkles and sun damage. Retinol is a natural type of Vitamin A and it has also been shown to have similar effects in high quantities.

Consult your dermatologist or general practitioner about receiving a prescription for Retin-A. It is used to treat acne as well as skin damage.

2

Consult your dermatologist about topical supplements. Products with rich concentrations of idebenone and pentapeptides may reduce the effects of sun damage and diminish wrinkles. Although there is no guarantee that these will work, several studies have shown promising results.

One form of Vitamin C, L-ascorbic acid, may also increase collagen production and protect the skin. Give your doctor a full list of your current conditions and medications to see if you are a good candidate for an oral Vitamin C supplement.

3

Try Botox injections. Small injections of Botulinum toxin A can relax the muscles under the surface of the skin, smoothing the wrinkles for a period of time. Botox injections are not a permanent solution, and they have a slight risk of infection.

4

Try collagen injections. Your doctor can fill in wrinkles with collagen or synthetic compounds. This is also a temporary solution with some risks.

5

Book an appointment with your dermatologist for a chemical peel or light resurfacing. These treatments cause minor damage to the surface of the skin, prompting your body to produce more collagen. It can result in smoother, healthier looking skin.

6

Book an appointment for microdermabrasion, if your skin is hardened or hard to treat at home. Dermatologists and some spas use this process to remove the outer layer of skin from your face. This professional treatment is used for to remove skin cells and reduce wrinkles.

Microdermabrasion may not be recommended for people with sensitive skin. It is also more expensive than using over the counter and homemade products.

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